Hempstead principal fired over Spanish issue will appeal

By Lisa Gray |
March 26, 2014
| Updated: March 26, 2014 8:39pm

A horse grazes near the Hempstead Middle School Thursday, March 20, 2014 in Hempstead. Hempstead Middle School principal Amy Lacey was placed on paid administrative leave in December after reportedly announcing, via intercom, that students were not to speak Spanish on the school's campus. She has been fired.

Photo By Melissa Phillip/Staff

Cynthia Zamora, whose daughter attends Hempstead Middle School talks Thursday, March 20, 2014 in Hempstead. Hempstead Middle School principal Amy Lacey was placed on paid administrative leave in December after reportedly announcing, via intercom, that students were not to speak Spanish on the school's campus. She has been fired. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Photo By Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Customers shop in the Alameda Meat Market where they sell everything from saddles to bakery items Thursday, March 20, 2014 in Hempstead. Hempstead Middle School principal Amy Lacey was placed on paid administrative leave in December after reportedly announcing, via intercom, that students were not to speak Spanish on the school's campus. She has been fired.

Photo By Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Attorney Paul Looney speaks at his office across the street from the Waller County Courthouse Thursday, March 20, 2014 in Hempstead. Hempstead Middle School principal Amy Lacey was placed on paid administrative leave in December after reportedly announcing, via intercom, that students were not to speak Spanish on the school's campus. She has been fired.

"There was no ban," he said. "There were no consequences for speaking Spanish in class. In fact, Ms. Lacey stated her respect for the Hispanic culture and language.

"What happened was, she encouraged students to speak English as much as possible - especially in class."

Hempstead Superintendent Delma Flores-Smith said her recommendation not to renew Lacey's contract was based on more than the intercom announcement.

"We've been getting calls," said Flores-Smith. " 'Why don't you want the kids to speak English?' Of course we want the kids to speak English!"

The school board's formal notice to Lacey listed eight reasons the contract would not be renewed. They included failure to fulfill her duties, incompetence or inefficiency, inability to maintain discipline, insubordination and failure to meet professional conduct standards.

Asked to give specific examples of such behavior, Flores-Smith declined.